Historical Context

This letter, written by Merle Grey, was sent from Sandwich, Massachusetts, located on Cape Cod. Merle’s description of the "myrtle-blooms and daffodils" and the offer of a "canoe ride" highlights the seasonal beauty of the Cape in mid-April.

During this period, missionaries in New England often used local radio stations to broadcast musical programs and "tracts" (sermons) to reach the rural populations of the Cape. 

In the early 1930s, missionary work in the Northeast (the Eastern States Mission) was undergoing a technological transformation. While most people are familiar with the national Music & the Spoken Word broadcast from Salt Lake City, localized missionary broadcasts were a distinct and popular phenomenon in New England.

1. Local Radio as a "Digital Tract"

By 1932, missionaries in the Eastern States Mission (which covered Massachusetts) frequently used local radio stations to amplify their message. Because many people in New England were hesitant to open their doors to missionaries, the radio allowed "Elders" to enter homes via the airwaves. These local programs usually consisted of:

2. The Eastern States Mission Leadership

In 1932, the Eastern States Mission was presided over by James H. Moyle. He was a strong advocate for using modern media and encouraged missionaries to be "polished" in their public presentations. This likely explains why Merle commented specifically on Elder Young’s "ability as announcer"—missionaries were often specifically trained to handle the technical and vocal demands of a radio broadcast.

3. The "Sunday Night" Tradition

Merle mentions listening on a Sunday night (April 17, 1932). Many local stations in the Northeast offered "religious hours" on Sunday evenings. For the missionaries, getting a slot on a station like those in Boston or smaller local outlets near Cape Cod was considered a major success, as it reached "several friends" and neighbors who might not otherwise attend a church service.

4. Missionary Musical Groups

During this exact period (early 1930s), the Church began organizing official missionary musical groups. These Elders would travel with portable instruments, perform in town halls, and then broadcast their performances on local radio. The "highly favored" musical selections Merle mentioned were likely part of this effort to use culture and music as a bridge to the New England public.

5. Transition to Network Radio

Just as this letter was written in April 1932, the Church's main broadcast in Salt Lake City moved to the CBS network, greatly increasing its visibility in the East. This national momentum often helped local missionaries like Elder Call and Elder Young secure airtime on local Massachusetts stations, as "Mormon radio" was becoming a recognized brand for high-quality music and speaking.